At some point in the last few decades, we found the concept of the B-movie losing a lot of meaning, undoubtedly the result of filmmakers become far more self-aware, and the rise of the “so bad, it’s good” approach to genres that were often considered to be nothing more than filler, done to capitalise on…
Category: Horror
It Won’t Stay Dead: The Secrets of Frankenstein (Guest Column)
Andre Ferreira is a mechanical engineer by day and a film buff by night. He claims to be moderately competent in both. The following is his spectacular tribute to Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, a superb piece of writing that I am very proud to share. What is scary? Can a film approaching it’s 100th…
It Follows (2014)
For about as long as we have been sentient, there have been stories designed to stir a reaction – laughter and melancholy are some of the more common ones, and we also see efforts to mystify and enthrall in many cases. However, by far the most fascinating form of artistic expression, at least in terms…
The Spiral Staircase (1946)
Nestled in the idyllic countryside of Vermont stands a beautiful manor – inside are a blend of wealthy residents, a few companions and a couple of members of staff, all of whom go about their daily routine without too much hassle. This is until they slowly start to fall victim to a mysterious killer who…
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Madness has always been a concept that has fascinated writers and artists from every medium – from the philosophers that defined the antiquity to contemporary storytellers that examine human behaviour and our relationship with both our own minds and surroundings, we’ve become obsessed with the idea of sanity, particularly in distinguishing the exact boundaries that…
Carrie (1976)
Horror is perhaps the one genre with the most number of starkly iconic images that have infiltrated the culture and become distinct representations of cinema as a whole. One of the most striking shots in the history of horror is that of a teenage girl standing on stage, covered in blood, with a blazing fire…
The Parenting (2025)
There comes a point in every relationship where it starts to become serious, often signalled by one particular event – the act of meeting your partner’s parents. In many cases, this happens quite early on and is a relatively painless procedure in which you get to know the people that will become part of your…
Sinners (2025)
It’s been just over a decade since Ryan Coogler emerged with Fruitvale Station, a complex and engaging character study that examined a plethora of themes that are too familiar to contemporary audiences. Over the past few years, he made a small handful of films, each one brilliant and dynamic, and touching on complex themes that…
One Body Too Many (1944)
Far too many people act surprised when they come across contemporary horror films that contain a comedic sensibility, as if the idea of blending humour and terror hasn’t been around since the Golden Age of Hollywood, being as pivotal to the development of both genres as any other element that is usually associated with them….
Gothika (2003)
We all fear to become what we criticise – it’s an inherent anxiety embedded deep in our consciousness, a desire to acknowledge those who pose danger in order to prevent ever becoming akin to them in any way. It’s a philosophical concept that has been explored often in both fiction and documentary works, and bears…
The Postmodern Pelican 